Mary Rauton Obituary

Mary Ann Childers Rauton

Charleston - Mary Ann Childers Rauton, 92, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of George Eldred Rauton, entered into eternal rest Sunday, January 18, 2026. Her Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 in the Doorway Baptist Church, 7825 Dorchester Road at 11:30 am. The family will receive friends Saturday from 10:30 am to 11:30 am in Doorway Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel.

Ann was born December 20, 1933 in Griffin, Georgia, daughter of the late Charlie Jewel Childers and Mary Lou Daniel Childers. Ann had a heart for Missions. Her many endeavors included WMU, the Connie Maxwell Home, Campers of Mission, World Changers, Mission trips to Brazil, Friends of Bonnie Doone, and Operation Christmas Child. She was especially proud of two projects she headed at Doorway; the pillowcase ministry for MUSC's Children's Hospital and Back to School bookbags sent to the children in the Appalachian Mountains. Ann and El were also the first to be married in the new sanctuary at Dorchester Wayland Baptist Church.

Ann began her career at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. She worked in purchasing and eventually became the highest ranking women civilian at the time, reporting directly to the commanding officer. Years later, she went to help her husband open George E. Rauton, Inc. El and Ann were blessed with a successful business.

Affectionately known as "Nana", Ann was an avid Gamecock fan. She and El (Papa) held season tickets for 30 years. They watched three generations grow-up at Williams Brice, cheering for their Gamecocks win or lose. She was a member, and one time president, for the Charleston Exchange Club Auxiliary. She was named "Woman of the Year" by the Charleston Federation of Women's Clubs.

In addition to her loving husband of 73 years, George Rauton, she is survived by daughters Sandra Buck (Stuart) of Mount Pleasant, Janice Gamble of Charleston, grandchildren Elizabeth Cumbee (C.R.) of Macedonia, Blake Gamble (Sara) of Pittsburgh, great-grandchildren Parker Ballard, Mary Caroline Ballard, Isobel Gamble, Rohan Cumbee, and Harper Cumbee, and her brother Larry Childers and sister Sue Nussman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Teresa Ann Rauton, brother Charles Childers, and sister Jane Neal.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her caregiver Estelle Asby, for her loving care and dedication to our mother the past 3 years, and Roper Hospice for their services, care and comfort.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Doorway Baptist Church Missions.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

We invite you to share a memory and sign our guest book.